Audi Announces Pricing on 2008 RS 4 Cabriolet

Audi said that its highly anticipated 2008 RS 4 Cabriolet will start at $82,675, including a $775 destination charge, when it goes on sale in the United States this fall.

But the actual price is still up in the air, since Audi said the gas-guzzler tax "will be determined prior to arrival in U.S. showrooms." The Fuel Economy Web Site said the gas-guzzler tax can range from $1,000 to $7,700, based on the combined mpg rating of a car in question. The federal tax is designed to "discourage the production and purchase of fuel-inefficient vehicles," according to the site.

The tax applies only to cars, not trucks.

The high-performance drop top is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine that churns out 420 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. It will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.